Saturday, 18 April 2009

Head for the sun

Had enough of these grey days with that easterly breeze so decided to head west this morning, until we reached some sunshine. Approached Haydon Bridge, with the sky looked brighter to the south west, so it was off onto the A686 and first stop Langley Garden Station for coffee and scones. Had it in the back of my mind from a memory about fifty years ago that Plankey Mill would have some Dippers, - bad call since access was not allowed when we got there.However we did see this guy doing it properly - The idea then was to drive to Allendale, Allenheads, Blanchland, Derwent Reservoir, home.Here are a few of the highlights.First we watched two pair of Common Buzzard soaring and then much higher were a group of a further 12 Buzzard like shapes slowly drifting Northward, but too high to get an ident.On the higher ground we managed some nice sightings of Wheatearand I hope someone might confirm this as a Grasshopper Warbler, or not?There were quite a number of Red GrouseMore refreshement at Blanchland and a walk by the river offered Dipper(I new the sun would lead us), Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, WrenA really enjoyable day taking inBuzzardCurlewOystercatcherLapwingSkylarkChaffinchYellowhammerWheatearPied WagtailGrey WagtailDipperGreylagWigeonRedshankCanada GooseMallardand others - must start noting them as I see them

I think your mystery bird is a Meadow Pipit rather than Grasshopper Warbler. If you look at the undertail it is unstreaked, Grasshopper Warbler has a streaked undertail and rounded tail end also they ahve a more prominent cream eyebrow than Meadow Pipit.

Sounds like you did the same trip we did last weekend we stayed for weekend in shield hill just outside haltwhistle and visited the same places. the garden station is really nice isnt it...Lovely photos.

About me

The wrong side of pension age, I reawakened my earlier interests in bird and widlife watching, with a holiday on The Isle of Mull during summer 2008. Bought a scope to watch eagles and otters and we were not disappointed. So when we got home I started to cover some local haunts and thought it may be worthwhile to put some time in and around the The City of Newcastle and the River Tyne.I also paint pictures, most having some link to football and a selection can be seen at www.fansoffootball.net